Not too long ago, the British public were head over heels with their new princess-in-training Meghan Markle, as she wowed the crowds by fiance Prince Harry’s side.
Now, just weeks out from the royal wedding, her world is crumbling as Andrew Morton’s explosive tell-all autobiography and bitter people from her past threaten to ruin her dream day.
Instead of counting down excitedly to her nuptials, sources say Meghan, 36, is feeling lonely and overwhelmed as she comes under attack for being “cold”, “self-serving” and a pushy ”social climber” by her own friends and family.
Meghan’s crisis of confidence comes as controversial biographer Andrew Morton unveils his new book *Meghan: A Hollywood Princess**, which has been drip-fed to the public ahead of its release – and doesn’t paint a favourable picture of the future duchess.
For the biggest revelations from Andrew’s book, head right this way
She’s even been forced into hiding to escape the backlash!
“Meghan and Harry were tellingly absent from the royal family’s traditional appearance at Easter Sunday church,” a palace insider tells Woman’s Day.
“Usually, attendance is compulsory, so it’s a sure sign Meghan needed some time out.”
Having given up her much-loved acting career and life in the US, there have been recent reports Meghan’s been feeling increasingly jittery as the big day gets closer.
Now friends say she’s questioning whether she can cope with the constant scrutiny that comes with her new life as a royal.
Indeed, showing just how much the glare of the spotlight is getting to her, Meghan is believed to have made a secret trip back to her hometown of LA last week to be with her yoga teacher mum, Doria Ragland.
“I’ll still find so much solace in her support,” she says of Doria.
As Meghan struggles to deal with the latest backlash, insiders say Harry, 33, is in a panic of his own as he worries about his bride.
“He’s fiercely protective of Meghan and just wants the haters to back off and stop trying to ruin her reputation – and their wedding day,” says a source. “He’s always been worried about how Meghan will handle the glare of royal life, having watched his own mother Diana struggle with the same issues.”
Woman’s Day is told Harry’s brother Prince William, 35, and his wife Kate, 36, have also been called upon for support, with the duchess counselling Meghan on how to make it through her early days as a royal.
“Kate knows better than anyone what it’s like to have all this scrutiny on you, and she’s promised Meghan that it will all blow over in time,” says our palace source.
“She’s telling Meghan to ignore the background noise and try to look forward to her wedding.”
For more on how Meghan’s mum is stepping up to help Meghan walk down the aisle and Prince Harry’s new protective measures, be sure to pick up a copy of Woman’s Day magazine – on stands now!